Stephan, der König

The first Hungarian king, wishing to integrate the country into Christian Europe, and Koppány, the chieftain clinging to tribal bonds and protecting and safe-guarding ancient traditions, are the heroes of the rock opera. The knights and priests who arrived in the country accompanying Queen Gizella are led by abbot Asztrik, representing Stephen and Christianity, while Laborc and Shaman Torda line up at the side of Koppány with the restless Hungarian lords. After Géza's death, Koppány asks Sarolt to marry him, as that is the ancient tradition and because he wants to take over Géza's heritage. In the ensuing bloodbath, Stephen's troops are victorious. Though Réka, Koppány's baptised daughter, wants to bury her father appropriately, Sarolt insists on deterrence, wherefore Koppány's corpse is cut into four pieces. István struggles alone with the burden of the tasks that await him, yet he accepts his fate. He is crowned on the December 25, in the year 1000. (Verleiher-Text)